The inaugural Syria Travel Show (STS) 2026 will take place from 28 to 30 September 2026 at Al Moutanbi Hall, located within Dama Rose Hotel in Damascus. The event, organised by Mangusteen Events and Exhibitions alongside SO Media, operates under the patronage of the Syrian Ministry of Tourism.
Wide Stakeholder Participation Expected
STS 2026 aims to gather tourism authorities, investors, hotel groups, developers, airlines, tour operators, travel agencies, technology providers, franchise owners, and cultural institutions. The event seeks to facilitate connections among key players involved in the next phase of Syria’s travel, tourism, and hospitality development.
Visitor Arrivals Surge in Early 2026
Visitor arrivals in Syria reached 3.52 million in
the first half of 2026, more than doubling compared to the same period in 2025. International visitors increased by 448%, Arab visitors by 107%, and Syrian expatriate arrivals rose by 75%, reflecting a robust rebound and expanding demand from regional and international markets including Türkiye, Germany, Sweden, the United States, Netherlands, Canada, the United Kingdom, Jordan, Lebanon, and Iraq.
Tourism Positioned for Economic Growth
Syria’s tourism sector is entering a growth phase supported by increasing regional and international confidence. The sector’s strategic vision focuses on using tourism as a catalyst to attract investment and stimulate economic development. Opportunities are emerging in hospitality, aviation, destination development,
tourism technology, cultural experiences, and infrastructure expansion.
Minister Highlights Private Sector Empowerment
H.E. Mazen Al-Salhani, Syria’s Minister of Tourism, emphasized the sector’s new phase marked by rising visitor demand and an investment-friendly climate. He said, “Our ambition is to build a tourism-led economy by empowering the private sector, attracting responsible investment and developing world-class tourism experiences that showcase Syria’s unique cultural and natural assets.” He added that the Syria Travel Show would provide a platform for investors and industry leaders to unlock the sector’s potential.
Program Features and Attendance Expectations
STS 2026 will include a travel trade exhibition, keynote speeches, panel discussions, cultural showcases, professional networking, and curated B2B matchmaking.
The organisers expect more than 30 exhibitors, over 20 speakers, and upwards of 5,000 attendees over the three-day period.
Sector Development and Market Context
The event will address policy and investment issues, public-private partnerships, hospitality and aviation development, destination marketing, inbound tourism, cultural heritage preservation, travel technology, entrepreneurship, talent cultivation, and regional collaboration. It reflects Syria’s phase of market development and growing momentum within multiple tourism segments including cultural, heritage, religious, medical, wellness, adventure, and experiential tourism.
Investment and Partnership Opportunities
STS 2026 will enable participants to explore hotel and resort development, tourism real estate, infrastructure readiness, and public-private partnerships. Regional and international hotel operators can discuss management agreements
and brand partnerships. Tour operators and travel agencies will develop inbound programs and cultural tourism products. The event also facilitates engagement with airlines, aviation services, travel agencies, booking platforms, payment providers, and travel technology companies essential to reintegrating Syria into the global tourism ecosystem.
